Melissa Gilbert Explains Why Neither ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Series Is Completely Accurate

Melissa Gilbert is weighing in on the accuracy debate surrounding Netflix’s new Little House on the Prairie series.

The 62-year-old actress who played Laura Ingalls Wilder on the 1974 NBC series shared her thoughts about the 2026 Netflix version of the show on Substack, arguing that neither adaptation is completely accurate to the era or the books.

“The short answer is no, neither are entirely accurate to the times nor the books,” Melissa wrote.

Melissa Gilbert argues neither Little House on the Prairie adaptation is fully accurate

Melissa noted that details were changed in 1974 show, too, noting that in the book, all three of the Ingalls girls “are older than they were in real life.”

“My hope is that folks realize that these are all perfect examples of dramatic license. Even the real Laura took dramatic license in writing her books,” she said.

Melissa continued, “So rather than getting all twisted up in what’s real and what’s dramatized, maybe just sit back and go for the ride the creative minds behind these shows want to take you on. If you like it, stick with it. If you don’t, you don’t have to watch.”

It’s also worth noting that Netflix is adapting Laura Ingalls Wilder‘s books and not remaking the 1974 series.

Netflix’s take on Little House on the Prairie premiered on July 9. It was renewed for a second season back in March, before it even debuted on the streaming service.